Honors society donates books

Thursday

Apr 25, 2013 at 2:00 AMApr 25, 2013 at 6:42 AM

WELLS — Hundreds of children's books, collected during a month-long book drive by members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society at York County Community College in Wells, were recently donated to the York County Head Start program.

WELLS — Hundreds of children's books, collected during a month-long book drive by members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society at York County Community College in Wells, were recently donated to the York County Head Start program.

The books ranged in size and format, though most were hardcover and, if not new, in excellent condition. All were gladly accepted as learning materials for the children enrolled in Head Start as they begin their journey into the world of education and discover the great pleasures of reading.

"Reading has been a passion of mine since I was little, so I thought how wonderful it would be if I could in some way help to pass this along to others in our community," said Beth Walker, vice president of YCCC's Phi Theta Kappa club. An avid reader and lover of books from an early age, Walker brought the idea of holding the book drive to club members, where it was eagerly accepted and approved.

"Our goal was to collect at least one book for every student at YCCC," she said.

The club has around 75 members, focuses on recognizing academic achievement and is dedicated to serving the college community through scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. Membership requires maintenance of at least a 3.25 GPA.

Other recent Phi Theta Kappa community activities include a bake sale to support Safe Haven Humane Society, collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program, helping with holiday gift boxes for a local food pantry, and serving at Table of Plenty, a "community kitchen" with three locations that provides meals at no charge to anyone who is hungry.

Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

The York County Head Start program maintains 13 classrooms and 2 home-based programs, and has an enrollment of 255 children. The classrooms are located in Sanford, Waterboro, Lyman, Biddeford, Kittery, Lebanon, North Berwick, Porter and Old Orchard Beach.

The donated books will be distributed to all Head Start sites and will be used both in the classrooms and, for those who want them, given to children to take home and keep.

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